Serving Tray Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to the field of serving tray devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device that is primarily comprised of a body, further comprised of a raised sidewall and either indentations or raised walls to prevent drinks and food from spilling while carrying the device. In the preferred embodiment, the top surface of the body is further comprised of a plurality of indentations that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In a differing embodiment, the top surface is comprised of a plurality of raised wall areas that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In either embodiment, the indentations and raised walled areas prevent drink cups, plates, and silverware from spilling device while it is being used to transport drinks, food, and silverware.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/287,569 which was filed on Dec. 9, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of serving tray devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device that is primarily comprised of a body, further comprised of a raised sidewall and either indentations or raised walls to prevent drinks and food from spilling while carrying the device. In the preferred embodiment, the top surface of the body is further comprised of a plurality of indentations that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In a differing embodiment, the top surface is comprised of a plurality of raised wall areas that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In either embodiment, the indentations and raised wall areas prevent drink cups, plates, and silverware from falling or spilling off the device while it is being used to transport drinks, food and silverware. In either embodiment, the device has a band located on the bottom surface that can be tightened to a user's hand or arm via at least one fastener. The device allows servers to carry drinks and food without the threat of dropping or spilling the items onto the floor, thereby preventing slipping hazards. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Restaurant servers frequently deal with the constant inconvenience of spilling food and drinks while carrying serving trays to customers. Servers tend to carry multiple drinks and food items on a single serving tray with no way to keep the items from slipping and spilling on and/or off the tray. It can be very embarrassing for a server to spill items while they are walking through a restaurant, and it is equally as troublesome if the server spills food or drinks onto a customer. Further, when food and drinks spill in a restaurant, it produces slipping hazards that can be dangerous for customers and workers alike.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved serving tray. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a serving tray that prevents plates or cups from sliding off a serving tray. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a serving tray with individual compartments to keep items on the tray secured in place while a server maneuvers around a restaurant. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a serving tray that helps reduce the possibility of slipping hazards produced by spilled food and drinks.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a serving tray device. In the preferred embodiment, the device is comprised of a round body with a continuous and raised sidewall. The top surface of the body is further comprised of a plurality of indentations that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In a differing embodiment, the top surface is comprised of a plurality of raised wall areas that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In either embodiment, the indentations and raised wall areas prevent drink cups, plates, and silverware from spilling off the device while it is being used to transport drinks, food, and silverware.

In this manner, the serving tray device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides a novel serving tray that helps prevent spilling food and drinks while servers are working. Further, the device helps lower the risk of slipping hazards caused by spilled food and drinks while carrying serving trays.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a serving tray device. In the preferred embodiment, the device is comprised of a round body with a continuous and raised sidewall. The top surface of the body is further comprised of a plurality of indentations that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In a differing embodiment, the top surface is comprised of a plurality of raised wall areas that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In either embodiment, the indentations and raised wall areas prevent drink cups, plates, and silverware from spilling off the device while it is being used to transport drinks, food, and silverware. In either embodiment, the device has a band located on the bottom surface that can be tightened to a user's hand or arm via at least one fastener.

The device further is comprised of a groove to allow the user to rest and secure the device easily to a restaurant jack. The device is also comprised of a pouch that allows a user to keep smaller supplies with them at all times without the risk of misplacing them. In another embodiment, the device may be comprised of a peelable adhesive cover that keeps the device clean even after repeated spills or uses. A user may peel away the peelable connection member and replace it allowing for more uses in between washes of the device.

In another embodiment, the device may be comprised of tabs located within the indentations that allow cups to be securely held in the device. Further, the indentations and raised walls may be comprised of at least one magnet to hold metal silverware, cups, plates, and bowls without the risk of spillage.

Accordingly, the serving tray device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows servers the ability to carry food and drinks stress free. Further, it allows servers to place drink cups, plates, silverware, and bowls into the indentations or raised walls to prevent against food and drinks from sliding off the device. The device also prevents slipping hazards from being created by spilled cups/plates. In this manner, the serving tray device overcomes the limitations of existing food serving trays known in the art.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this device will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one potential indented embodiment of a serving tray device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one potential raised embodiment of a serving tray device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of one potential raised embodiment as well as one potential indented embodiment of a serving tray device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved serving tray. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a serving tray that prevents plates or cups from sliding off a serving tray. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a serving tray with individual compartments to keep items on the tray secured in place while a server maneuvers around a restaurant. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a serving tray that helps reduce the possibility of slipping hazards produced by spilled food and drinks.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a serving tray device. In the preferred embodiment, the device is comprised of a round body with a continuous and raised sidewall. The top surface of the body is further comprised of a plurality of indentations that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In a differing embodiment, the top surface is comprised of a plurality of raised wall areas that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In either embodiment, the indentations/wall areas prevent drink cups, plates, and silverware from spilling off the device while it is being used to transport drinks, food, and silverware.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential indented embodiment of the serving tray device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In preferred embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of a round body 110 with a continuous and raised sidewall 120. The top surface 130 of the body 110 is further comprised of a plurality of indentations 134 that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. The device 100 is further comprised of a bottom surface 140. Located on the bottom surface 140 is at least one band 150 and at least one fastener 160.

The body 110 can be a plurality of shapes such as, but not limited to: circular, square, rectangular, triangular, etc. The body 110 further can be manufactured from a plurality of materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, wood, metal, etc. In the preferred embodiment, the body is comprised of a ridged, rigid plastic such as, but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc. The body 110 is further comprised of a raised sidewall 120 that prevents any spills from spilling off the device 100 and onto the floor of a restaurant. In another embodiment, the device 100 may be manufactured from a waterproof material that prevents spills from staining or damaging the device 100. The waterproof material may be any waterproof material known in the art such as, but not limited to: polyurethane, EPDM rubber, neoprene rubber, thermoplastic, bituminous membrane, PVC waterproofing membrane, etc.

The body 110 is further comprised of a top surface 130, further comprised of a plurality of indentations 134. In one embodiment, the top surface 130 may be made from a non-slip material to further prevent against any sliding of the items. The non-slip material may be any suitable material known in the art, such as, but not limited to, ridged rubber. The indentations 134 may be any shape known in the art that accommodate the size/shape of various food-related items that may be circular, ovular, square, rectangular, etc. The indentations 134 allow for cups, silverware, plates, and bowls, to be placed within the indentations 134 to prevent said items from falling over and spilling when an individual is carrying the device 100.

Further, the indentations 134 may be comprised of a plurality of tabs 136 located inside the indentations 134. The tabs 136 function to keep items secure when they are placed into the device 100. When a user starts to place an item into the indentations 134, the tabs 136 are pressed into the device 100 which further secures the item within the indentations 134. The tabs 136 are preferably manufactured from a semi-flexible rubber material.

In the preferred embodiment, the body 110 has a bottom surface 140, further comprised of at least one band 150 and at least one fastener 160. The band 150 located on the bottom surface 140 may be any band/strap material that is known in the art such as, but not limited to, an elastic band. The band 150 is attached to the user's hand or arm via at least one fastener 160. The fastener 160 may be a plurality of fasteners 160 such as, but not limited to: hook and loop, buckle, snap button, etc. The fastener 160 allows for a user to tighten or loosen the band 150 so the device is secure to the user to prevent against dropping the device 100.

The bottom surface 140 further may be comprised of at least one groove 180 that receives a restaurant jack in order to easily and securely deliver customers' orders. The grooves 180 allow the device 100 to be placed onto a restaurant jack without the risk of the device 100 falling off the jack or being knocked over when the user is handing out the orders to the customers while the device 100 rests on a restaurant jack.

In a differing embodiment, the body 110 may have at least one continuous opening 142. The continuous opening 142 allows any spilled liquids to drain through the device 100 so the liquids do not collect on the top surface 130.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one potential raised embodiment of a serving tray device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of a round body 110 with a continuous and raised sidewall 120. The top surface 130 of the body 110 is further comprised of a plurality of raised walls 132 that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. The device 100 is further comprised of a bottom surface 140. Located on the bottom surface 140, the device 100 has a band 150 and at least one fastener 160.

The body 110 can be a plurality of shapes such as, but not limited to: circular, square, rectangular, triangular, etc. The body 110 further can be comprised of a plurality of materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, wood, metal, etc. In the preferred embodiment, the body is comprised of a ridged, rigid plastic such as, but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc. The body 110 is further comprised of a side wall 120 that allows for any spills to not escape the device 100 and spill onto the floor of the restaurant. In another embodiment, the device 100 may be manufactured from a waterproof material that prevents spills from staining or damaging the device 100. The waterproof material may be any waterproof material known in the art such as, but not limited to: polyurethane, EPDM rubber, neoprene rubber, thermoplastic, bituminous membrane, PVC waterproofing membrane, etc.

The body 110 is further comprised of a top surface 130, further comprised of a plurality of raised walls 132. In one embodiment the top surface 130 may be comprised of a non-slip material to further prevent against any sliding of the items. The non-slip material may be any suitable material known in the art. The raised walls 132 may be any shape known in the art that accommodate the size/shape of the items such as, but not limited to: circular, ovular, square, rectangular, etc. The raised walls 132 allow for cups, silverware, plates, and bowls, to be placed into the raised walls 132 to prevent against spills when an individual is carrying the device 100.

In one embodiment, the body 110 is further comprised of a bottom surface 140, further comprised of at least one band 150 and at least one fastener 160. The bottom surface 140 is manufactured from the same material that the rest of the body 110 is comprised of. Further, the band 150 located on the bottom surface 140 may be any band/strap material that is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, an elastic band. The band 150 is attached to the user's hand or arm via at least one fastener 160. The fastener 160 may be a plurality of fasteners 160 such as, but not limited to: hook and loop, buckle, snap button, etc. The fastener 160 allows for a user to tighten the band 150 so the device is secure to the user to prevent against dropping the device 100.

The bottom surface 140 further may be comprised of at least one groove 180 that receives a restaurant jack in order to easily and securely deliver customers' orders. The grooves 180 allow the device 100 to be placed onto a restaurant jack without the risk of the device 100 falling off the jack or being knocked over when the user is handing out the orders to the customers.

In a differing embodiment, the body 110 may have at least one continuous opening 142. The continuous opening 142 allows any spilled liquids to drain through the device 100 so the liquids do not collect on the top surface 130.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of one potential raised embodiment as well as one potential indented embodiment of a serving tray device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the preferred embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of a round body 110 with a continuous and raised sidewall 120. The top surface 130 of the body 110 is further comprised of a plurality of indentations 132 that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In a differing embodiment, the top surface 130 is comprised of a plurality of raised wall areas 132 that can receive drink cups, plates, or silverware. In either embodiment, the indentations 134 and raised walls 134 prevent drink cups, plates, and silverware from spilling off the device 100 while it is being used to transport drinks, food, and silverware.

In another embodiment, the top surface 130 and the bottom surface 140 are made from a grip material. The grip material may be any material known in the art, but is preferably a rubber material such as, but not limited to: natural rubbers, neoprene rubber elastomer, silicone rubber elastomer, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, buna-n rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber elastomers, Viton rubber elastomer, diaphragm rubber, thermoplastic rubber, etc. The grip material prevents plates, cups, bowls, and silverware from sliding off the device 100. The material is preferably ridged to enhance grip.

In yet another embodiment, the body 110 may be comprised of at least one peelable adhesive cover 138 located on the top surface 130 of the device 100, wherein the cover 138 adheres to the top surface 130. The peelable adhesive cover 138 can be attached/detached to allow the device 100 to stay clean for more uses between washes. When food or drinks spill onto the top surface 130 of the device 100, the peelable adhesive cover 138 prevents the spill from reaching the top surface 130. A user then peels the peelable adhesive cover 138 away from the device 100 leaving it clean and free of the spill. The user can then replace the peelable adhesive cover 138 with a clean cover. The cover 138 is preferably waterproof.

In yet another embodiment, the device 100 may be comprised of at least one magnet 170 located in the indentations 134 or the raised walls 132. The at least one magnet 170 allows for metal plates, bowls, cups, and silverware to be securely fastened to the device 100 without the risk of spills. The magnet 170 can be any magnet 170 that is known in the art such as, but not limited to: neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, samarium cobalt, alnico, ferrite, electromagnet, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the device 100 may have at least one pouch 190 located on the sidewall 120 of the body 110. The pouch 190 may be any material and orientation known in the art such as, but not limited to: netting, canvas, cloth, leather, etc. The pouch 190 functions as an area to carry the users supplies such as, but not limited to: pens, pencils, paper, notepads, eyeglasses, menus, straws, napkins, sauce packets/bottles, smart device, etc. This allows the user to not have to worry about misplacing the smaller items they may need throughout their workday, as well as have a place to store smaller items that may not have a place on the top surface 130 of the device 100.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “serving tray device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the serving tray device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the serving tray device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the serving tray device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the serving tray device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the serving tray device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the serving tray device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A serving tray device comprising: a body: a side wall; a top surface comprised of an indentation; and a bottom surface.
 2. The serving tray device of claim 1, wherein the side wall extends above the top surface.
 3. The serving tray device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a waterproof material.
 4. The serving tray device of claim 1, wherein the top surface is comprised of a non-slip material.
 5. The serving tray device of claim 1, wherein the indentation is circular.
 6. The serving tray device of claim 5, wherein the indentation is further comprised of a tab.
 7. The serving tray device of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface is further comprised of a band.
 8. A serving tray device comprising: a body: a side wall; a top surface comprised of a raised wall; and a bottom surface comprised of a band.
 9. The serving tray device of claim 8, wherein the raised wall is circular.
 10. The serving tray device of claim 9, wherein the raised wall is further comprised of a magnet.
 11. The serving tray device of claim 8, wherein the top surface is comprised of a ridged rubber material.
 12. The serving tray device of claim 8, wherein the bottom surface is comprised of a ridged rubber material.
 13. A serving tray device comprising: a body: a continuous opening; a pouch; a side wall; a peelable adhesive cover; a top surface; and a bottom surface comprised of a groove and a band with a fastener.
 14. The serving tray device of claim 13, wherein the band is an elastic band.
 15. The serving tray device of claim 13, wherein the fastener of the band is a hook and loop fastener.
 16. The serving tray device of claim 13, wherein the peelable adhesive cover is located on the top surface.
 17. The serving tray device of claim 16, wherein the peelable adhesive cover is adhered to the top surface.
 18. The serving tray device of claim 16, wherein the peelable adhesive cover is waterproof.
 19. The serving tray device of claim 13, wherein the pouch is located on the sidewall.
 20. The serving tray device of claim 13, wherein the top surface is comprised of an indentation or a raised wall. 